The FOCUS Communications Service Provider Index (CSPI) snapped its streak of positive returns as the sector dropped 3.6% in our summer reporting period. This was despite a strong overall market backdrop that propelled the S&P 500 up 8.3% and the NASDAQ up 12.8% over the corresponding time period. The CSPI also compares unfavorably to the broader indices over the full year time frame. The sector is down 18.7% compared to this time last year, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ are up 17.6% and 25.0%, respectively. Multiples ended the period at 2.3x revenue (down from 2.5x a year ago) and 6.4x EBITDA (down from 6.8x a year ago).

While its momentum slowed somewhat from our Spring report, the FOCUS Telecom Business Services Index (TBSI) still delivered a positive return with a three-month gain of 2.9%. This lagged the returns of the broader indices as the S&P 500 gained 8.3% and the NASDAQ gained 12.8% over the corresponding time period. Sector multiples are also higher compared to the year-ago period. The sector revenue multiple went from 0.9x to 1.0x, while the sector EBITDA multiple increased from 9.9x to 11.4x.

The FOCUS Carrier-Focused Telecom Technology Index (CFTTI) continued to trend lower with a 2.2% drop in our summer reporting period.